Setting Some Spiritual Goals for 2021
“New year, new you!” Right? Well, not exactly. For as much hype as a turn of the calendar brings, rarely do people actually put the effort into actually becoming the person they say they will become.
There is usually a gap between our new year’s resolutions and our regimens to get there.
While goals can break down into many different categories, we want to give you some inspiration on a few spiritual goals to set!
“This year I will study the Bible.”
At the very least, we may all acknowledge the value of reading the Bible. However, studying the Bible might be a good next step. What is the difference? Bible Study has a specific aim to interpret and understand what you are reading. Let’s be clear here, we are not saying to keep it strictly intellectual. The aim of Bible Study is to apply the meaning of the text. In other words, understanding precedes application, so Bible Study will bolster your ability to discover the meaning and relevance of a biblical passage.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17, NIV)
We are so passionate about Bible Study that we made a whole online course on it. This is a free course available on our website for you to take on your own time and using a smartphone or computer! Enroll in our course: How to Study the Bible by clicking here, we know this will give you some principles and tools to be “tourists” of Scripture (watch the first module to see what we mean by that!).
“This year I will start a prayer journal.”
A prayer journal can look like a variety of things. The point is to have a place where you can express your prayers to God and keep a record of it for the sake of coming back to it as time goes on.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (Psalm 77:11)
Believing in the power of prayer is step one. Step two is actually praying. The third step involves watching how God responds to our prayers, regardless of how much the outcome aligns with what we prayed. Some of the Newbreak staff have talked about that the times God has said “no” or “wait” to their prayers have been some of the best things for them. So, whether it be a “yes” or a different or delayed response, try tracking your prayer life this year. Please hear us, this is not about checking a box to feel more spiritual. Instead, there is a type of confidence in God that is developed as we could look back at pages of how God interacts and responds to our prayers.
“This year I will commit to being in biblical community.”
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25)